Investigation into cargo theft leads to discovery of counterfeits and stolen goods
Los Angeles Port Police have seized US$10 million worth of designer fakes and stolen goods in raids across the city.
The counterfeits, shipped in from Asia, included would-be iPods, iPhones and Playstations with an estimated street value of $1.5 million. They had been falsely labelled and packaged in Los Angeles.
The $2.5 million worth of stolen goods that were recovered include electronics, toys and blankets.
Los Angeles Port Police Chief Ronald Boyd said: “Our multi-agency approach to security and theft investigations led to success in this significant discovery.
“We’re proud of the teamwork that happens on a continuous basis to thwart consumer fraud.”
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa added: “Our standing as the largest shipping container port in the country is in no small part predicated on the security we can offer.”
An investigation into stolen cargo led port police to several downtown Los Angeles locations in December and January.
During searches, investigators discovered the counterfeit and stolen products, along with bank account receipts that indicated profits from previous sales of counterfeit merchandise of more than $7 million.
Two local brothers were arrested and charged with selling counterfeit goods.
The investigation was part of the Cargo Theft Interdiction Programme, jointly conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Port Police and the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, comprising federal, state and local agencies.
Damian Brett | Wed, 9 Feb 2011 . IFW News